Onomea Bay

Onomea Bay is located near Papaikou on the Island of Hawaii and is approximately 11 miles from Hilo International Airport. This is a scenic area on the west cost of the island with various natural attractions and hiking trails as well as a popular driving route. The four mile scenic drive takes visitors along the Hamakua Coast twisting through a rainforest and past mountain streams.

One of the great natural features to be seen at the bay is the Onomea Arch, which is a natural arch, formed by erosion that has unfortunately collapsed slightly due to an earthquake. One of the best ways to view the bay is from the Donkey Trail, which starts from the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. It is only a 600 foot hike down to the ocean but it offers scenic views and runs alongside the Onomea stream.

The tropical gardens are a big attraction in the area and incorporate around 25 acres of the valley. There are over 2,000 species of plant found here as well as a waterfall, flamingo and duck pond, bird aviaries, a marine preserve and several more trails. Parking is available to visitors of the tropical gardens.